But efforts to reduce digital distraction may have another benefit: improving employee health and well-being.

Office furniture-maker Herman Miller is working on a “digital ergonomics” initiative that hopes to provide guidelines for employees and the public about the healthy use of mobile technology, similar to other workplace wellness initiatives about exercise and workplace posture.

The program, which is in its early stages, was launched because some Herman Miller employees and clients reported that using mobile technology while working created inconvenience and discomfort. They were less focused and productive as a result and some even reported sleep disruptions when using their mobile devices to work late at night, says Ryan Anderson, director of future technology at Herman Miller. Other academic research has found that use of digital devices can lead to health problems, he adds.

“There’s a lot of emphasis right now on workplace well-being,” says Mr. Anderson. “The use of technology should be a part of this conversation.”

Other research has found that taking a break from workplace email can significantly decrease stress and improve focus. A study earlier this year by researchers out of the University of California, Irvine and the U.S. Army had subjects cut out work email for five days. Those employees without email reported feeling better able to do their job and stay on task, with fewer stressful and time-wasting interruptions, than those with email. They changed computer screens about 18 times per hour, less than half as much as the email users who switched screens 37 times.

Those subjects who refrained from using email also had heart rates indicating a more relaxed state. By contrast, those who read email had heart rates that were in a “high alert” state.

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Written and edited by The Wall Street Journal’s Management & Careers group, At Work covers life on the job, from getting ahead to managing staff to finding passion and purpose in the office. Tips, questions? email us.